A guide to Manchester Airport

With your flight number we can work out where you’re going, how to get you there on time and even alert you to any delays. We also offer a comprehensive guide to the area. So you know where to stay, eat and relax with a drink.

Many Manchester airport taxi services can be expensive, late and uncertain. At Addison Lee we want to take the stress out of your journey. Which is why we’ve not only personalised our website and app to respond to your unique flight number, but we’ve also asked our local minicab drivers for tips on great spots in the local area. All we need is your flight number and we’ll go ahead and check which terminal you’re departing from, if there’s a gate number yet, and even if your flight’s on time. Not leaving just yet? Why not check out our guide on where to stay, eat and relax in the area? Nestled into the lush and rather princely surroundings of South Manchester’s Cheshire countryside, Manchester Airport is a sprawling gateway to almost all corners of the world. But like most major international airports, it’s not without its accessibility issues. Our partner’s drivers know the area like the back of their hands. And are kept constantly abreast of any local traffic problems both on the ground and airborne. Making them the perfect antidote to any pre-flight jitters. Check out our Manchester airport guide on where you should be staying, eating and even drinking in the surrounding areas.

Where to drink

The Metropolitan

This famous pub sits right on a busy crossroad right in the centre of West Didsbury. And owing largely to its big garden, excellent drinks and warm interiors it has been a popular mainstay of South Manchester’s drinking classes for many years now. Just a short ride from the airport, it offers a relaxing environment in which to have a drink, enjoy some food or just take in the sunshine. In winter the big fireplace and comfy armchairs are equally inviting.

Hula West Didsbury

Jumping on the success of its city centre sister bar, Hula West Didsbury is the place to go if you like your bartenders wearing coconuts and your drinks on fire (literally). Embracing a fun, partygoing attitude at all costs, Hula may be small but it doesn’t stop it from getting packed out on a weekend. Word of warning, they don’t suffer ‘suits’ in here gladly. So leave you tie at home, or risk losing it altogether.

Proof

This bar is something of a Chorlton institution. And when you try their cocktails it’s not hard to understand why. Offering a dark but comfortable place to hunker down with a whisky or glass of wine, Proof is a great choice if you’re looking to unwind after a long flight. Come summer time there’s a great little terrace outdoors and because it’s no more than a 15min journey from Manchester Airport, you can leave it late before you rush off to catch the redeye.

Where to eat

Volta

It didn’t take long for this West Didsbury bistro to catapult to fame and popularity once it opened its doors a couple of years ago. Owned by well-liked former Manchester DJs the Unabombers, it serves fantastic small plates in the guise of a mezze or tapas but usually from no fixed abode. The interior is dimly lit but brightly coloured and everything is designed to make you feel as laid back as you possibly can be. It works.

The Laundrette

If you’re in need of a slap up Sunday roast served up with some exciting new world wines and an ingenious cocktail or two then look no further than Chorlton’s Laundrette. Another niche suburb of South Manchester. Here you can sit out on their sprawling terrace and gorge on pizzas, burgers and everything in between. Seriously though, you have to try the roast, it’s almost worth missing your flight for.

Altrincham Market House

A relatively new addition to South Manchester’s trendy, affluent and up’n’coming spots. Altrincham Market House is an open hall with communal seating at its centre. Spun around the four walls of this inviting market forum are food stalls aplenty. Each offering a different but intriguing choice for you to chow down on. Think more Street feast than Street Urchins. This is a market with a touch of the refined about it.

Where to stay

Radisson Blu

Sometimes all you want from a hotel airport is that it be close to your terminal, utterly luxurious and for it to house its own bar, beauty parlour, restaurant and gym. Is it really so much to ask? And for those of you who like to get in the holiday spirit as soon as possible, the Radisson Blu even offer a complimentary glass of fizz with your breakfast. Oh and the rooms aren’t bad either. Prices start at £149 p/n.

Chicago Ave, M90 3RA

Didsbury House Hotel

For those of you who’d rather be a little further away from the hustle & bustle of the actual airport, look no further than the immaculate and eclectically designed Didsbury House Hotel. West Didsbury is a small but fashionable suburb of south Manchester that houses some of the city’s young professional & creative types. This hotel serves as real testament to those sorts, offering comfort and style by the bucket. Rooms start at a very decent £73 p/n.

Didsbury Park, Didsbury Village, M20 5LJ

Hilton Manchester Airport

Offering less of the decadence of the Radisson Blu but still plenty of its proximity to the airport terminals is the Hilton. No, it’s nothing new but it’s a brand we can all happily trust to deliver a comfortable bed as well as all the amenities required to keep you comfortable. A cafe, gym and restaurant should serve you well before you jet off to – hopefully – warmer climes. Prices start at £112 p/n.